§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what criteria have to be met in order for a taxi journey by the Lord Chancellor to be paid for from public funds. [53817]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonIn common with Ministers in other Departments, the Lord Chancellor normally uses a car provided through the Government Car Service and it would be exceptional for him to use a taxi for official business. A taxi might be used, and costs paid for from public funds, where a ministerial car was not available and considerations of urgency and security precluded the use of other means of transport.
§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much has been spent on taxi fares for the Lord Chancellor in the last year for which figures are available. [53783]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonIn common with Ministers in other Departments, the Lord Chancellor normally uses a car provided through the Government Car Service and he has scarcely ever used a taxi for official business. If a taxi was used, and costs paid for from public funds, it would be because a ministerial car was not available and considerations of urgency and security precluded the use of other means of transport. Separate records are not maintained of any taxi fares which, wholly exceptionally, might have been incurred by the Lord Chancellor.
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§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the expenditure by her Department on taxi fares in the last year has been audited; and if she will make a statement. [53782]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonExpenditure on taxi fares is included in the expenditure figures published in the Department's accounts; these accounts are audited by the National Audit Office. In addition, the costs of staff travelling on duty are included in audit programmes conducted by the Department's internal auditors.
§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much has been spent by her Department on taxi fares in the last financial year. [53816]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton£62,952.23.